Studies of liver function and structure in patients with gallstones before and during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid.

Twelve patients with gallstones were treated with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) for 3 to 22 months. Liver function and structure were studied before and during treatment. No signs of hepatotoxicity were observed. Activities of several enzymes, including transaminases, GLDH, and gamma-GT were frequently abnormal in this group of patients. But there was no statistical difference between treatment and pre-treatment levels. Serum bilirubin and protein electrophoresis remained normal throughout the study. The BSP retention test was not significantly altered by CDCA treatment. Light microscopic examination in 8 patients revealed no changes of liver structure during 3 to 19 months of CDCA administration except, however, for a decrease of fatty changes in 3 patients. The ultrastructure of liver cells was found to be normal in 5 patients, in whom electron microscopy was done as well.